Spotify is expanding its relationship with controversial podcast host Joe Rogan.
Spotify announced the new partnership Friday in a post on its corporate blog. Under the previous multi-million dollar deal, “The Joe Rogan Experience” would have been exclusive to Spotify starting in 2020. Under the new deal, podcasts will also be available on competing platforms such as YouTube and Apple Podcasts.
The Wall Street Journal first reported the new deal on Friday, reporting that Joe Rogan will receive a multi-year deal worth $250 million, according to sources. The Wall Street Journal also reports that the deal includes a guaranteed minimum upfront payment, as well as a revenue-sharing agreement based on advertising sales.
Logan has a huge audience on Spotify, and his podcast has been the top podcast on Spotify's Wrapped every year since 2020. Many of his listeners enjoy his interview style with a variety of guests.
Logan says the podcast is about having meaningful conversations with interesting guests.
In a recent blog post, Spotify asked Logan about his interview style and how he prepares for each conversation.
“There's no script for what we're going to say, it's all just happening in real time,” Logan said. “These are real, organic conversations that people enjoy and that's something we can all relate to and that we all love. These conversations have shaped the way I think about life. It has changed me beyond recognition and continues to do so.”
Rogan told Spotify that he doesn't choose guests based on popularity, and instead, his approach is based on the conversations he thinks both parties will have.
“On the show, we only have people we really want to talk to,” Logan said. “I never do a podcast just because it's popular. It's always from a place of, 'Wouldn't it be cool to talk to that person?'”
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Rogan's podcast is controversial and has been criticized in the past
Last year, Joe Rogan's comments raised eyebrows and called attention to Spotify making an immediate decision. Mr Logan has come under fire for his comments about coronavirus vaccines and his use of racial slurs.
According to the NBC article, Spotify CEO Daniel Ek said in a message to employees that the company has no intention of parting ways with Logan.
“While I strongly condemn Joe's comments and agree with his decision to remove past episodes from our platform, I understand that some may want more,” Ek said. stated in the memo. “And let me be clear about one thing: I do not believe that silencing Joe is the solution.”
Contribution: Associated Press
